i wasn't born in a barn, but i got there as fast as i could.

As I’ve been hard at work equipping myself and Frankie, I’ve gotten to do lots of shopping at different stores. And it’s pretty unavoidable- certain things I’ve needed to get at SmartPak/Riding Warehouse/Dover/other bigger stores. There are a lot of benefits to these bigger stores: frequent sales, easy exchanges if something doesn’t fit, good customer service, etc. But when push comes to shove, I really really love shopping at smaller businesses. I’d rather pay a little bit extra for that personal touch and I love the thought of helping to support a fellow equestrian’s business! When the products are totally fantastic and the price is right? Even better. Here are some of my favorite small businesses that I’ve shopped from recently:

In case you didn’t see in my recent post, I got some GORGEOUS spur straps here! For looks alone, I would give Mane Jane five stars. But it gets better- these spur straps were fully custom. I picked out the color and pattern of the leather, the metal of the buckles, and the charm. And it gets better again- ordering these felt like picking something out with a friend. Shelby (the genius behind Mane Jane) and I messaged back and forth discussing different options and we had so much fun chatting about all the combinations we could do. She kept me totally updated on the timeline of getting them shipped out, and then they showed up at my door in super cute packaging with lots of peppermints (which Frankie is VERY happy about) and a hot pink hairtie (that is currently holding my ponytail back). From start to finish, this ordering experience was an absolute pleasure and I couldn’t be happier with the product itself. If you’re in the market for some fun spur straps or a new belt, I couldn’t recommend Mane Jane more!

I think I’ve mentioned Hunt Club in the past, but I can’t say enough good things about them. I personally only have two belts from them- which are superior to any other belt I own and I want them in every color please and thank you- but I’ve gotten lots of gifts for horsey friends here! I could honestly be happy getting one of everything from here- they have a wonderful mix of apparel for riders, as well as cute charms and saddle pads for your pony to match. Their customer service is top notch, they’re super friendly and willing to work with you to customize your order, their packaging is adorable as all get out, and I love interacting with them on social media to boot! This is another company where the ordering process is a pleasure from start to finish, and the quality of everything I’ve received/used/given from here has been fantastic.

I’ll admit, I’ve only just placed my first order here and it hasn’t even arrived yet. So I can’t comment on the quality of the products themselves. But I don’t really need to- in all my research and digging, I’ve yet to find ONE person who isn’t completely satisfied with their purchase! “But Olivia, how can you put this on the list if you haven’t tried the product itself yet?” you ask. Well, Dear Reader, it’s because this is another company that has been so pleasant to work with to get exactly what I need, while feeling like I’m chatting with a friend. I think we can all agree that great customer service is a MUST, and Helen at the Herbal Horse has this covered. This is another company that I love interacting with on social media! This may not be important to some people, but I really love feeling that personal connection.

The common thread with these businesses is that every time I place an order, I feel like I’m getting something that meets my specific needs instead of just being another customer. Add that personalized experience to some top quality products, and you have a winning combination!

What are your favorite small businesses?
I’d love some recommendations for shops that you can’t get enough of!

17 thoughts on “My Favorite Small Businesses”

Just an FYI – as a small business lover myself I have to clarify that Riding Warehouse is very much a small business! Definitely nowhere near the same category as Dover (which is a publicly traded bohemoth) or Smartpak (which was bought out by Henry Schein in 2014 and does over 100 million in sales a year). When you buy from RW you can confidently feel like you are 100% supporting a small business. Not as small as some others, but still definitely quite small. Aside from the ones you mentioned (love Herbal Horse!) Teddy’s Tack Trunk and Hamer & Clay top my list of favorites.

I personally also love the herbal horse. Her products rock and the sample size ones make great presents.

I personally haven’t shopped at hunt club or mane Jane but I am eyeing the hunt club show vibes sweater. Maybe if it goes on sale!

Also go riding warehouse – they are my go too. The fact that you get a discount for buying more than one of pretty much everything and the US rider discount means I pretty much never pay full price. Their customer service also rocks.

Ditto to all the above mentions and I will add Dark Jewel Designs. She makes custom browbands and matching stock pins and bracelets. They are really high quality and at an unbeatable price. Not only that but Amelia is a sweetheart and so fun to work with, your browbands will be exactly what you dreamed of when she is done.

I love Relatively Stable for monograms. I am in a big boarding facility so things can some times go missing. Not by anyone being malicious but we all have similar, if not the same, pieces of equipment. I monogram EVERYTHING! Not only does everyone know my mattes pad versus a barn-mates’ but little touches like monogrammed standing wraps look so professional. She had monograms for fabric and leather. Even my laptop has been personalized by Alicia!